Contact Information
| Phone: | (863) 859-0209 |
| Fax: | (863) 815-0470 |
| Monday: | 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Tuesday: | 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Wednesday: | 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Thursday: | 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Friday: | Closed |
| Saturday: | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Meet the Tutors
Our Sylvan trained and certified tutors are dedicated to your child’s success. Working together with you, we will:
- Pinpoint your child’s learning needs using the Sylvan Skills Assessment®
- Develop a personalized learning plan based on your child’s goals
- Offer unique insights about what will work for your child
- Teach each lesson the way your child learns best
- Build a relationship with your child to provide learning that’s fun, engaging and rewarding
Neysha Rivera
Center Director
Neysha received her B.A. in Business Management in 2006. At Sylvan, she really enjoys learning about the programs we offer and how we can make a difference in a child's life while helping them reach their full potential. Originally from Boston, she moved to Florida in 2004 with her husband and two children in search of more sun. Her hobbies include interior design and taking her children to their soccer games.
Michelle Rowland
Director of Education
Michelle graduated from Southeastern University in 2006 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She has taught at Sylvan for two and a half years. When Michelle is not working she enjoys reading, going to movies, and eating out. Michelle's favorite aspect of working at Sylvan is getting to know each of the students and watching their confidence grow as they begin to succeed.
Michele Bolds
Instructor
Michele Bolds has been teaching Kindergarten at Caldwell Elementary for 2 years. She is a graduate of Southeastern University. In her free time, she enjoys scrap booking and going to the beach. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Jay Dumont
Instructor
Jay was born in Nashua, New Hampshire before moving to Lakeland at a young age. He graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2006 before working as a lead instructor at the Sylvan Learning Center in Winter Park, FL. Jay is a sports enthusiast, and enjoys spending time with friends and listening to music. His favorite part of working for Sylvan is getting to know his students on an individual basis, and helping each one of them achieve their goals.
Doloris Foster
Instructor
She got her M.A. degree in Reading from California State University. Her career included teaching K thru 3rd grades and as Reading Specialist. After 37 years in the public schools, she retired to Florida and has been with Sylvan as a Test Administrator, Updater, and as Director of Education. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family, reading, computers and sight seeing. Doloris wanted to be a teacher all her life. She says there’s nothing more rewarding than helping a child.
Aaron Helm
Insructor
Aaron moved to Florida in May of 1999. He is married to his wife Roxanne. Aaron graduated from AIU Magna com laude in June 2005 and started teaching at Lake Gibson Middle in September 2005 as an ESE teacher. His hobbies include collecting comics, movies, and superman memorabia.
Cara Juliano
Instructor
Cara was born in Lakeland, FL. She graduated from the University of South Florida in 2007 with her degree in Elementary Education. Before coming to Sylvan, Cara tutored at a private school and taugth pre-school during the summer. During her spare time, Cara loves to garden and spend time with her 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 5 hermit crabs.
Caz Norwich
Instructor
Caz Norwich is a professional writer and journalist with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Barry University. She has over 20 years in Fortune 500 and non-profit corporate Marketing, Promotion, Training, Sales and Human Resources management.
Craig Rapinchuk
Instructor
During high school Craig Rapinchuk was determined to become and educator due to the impact a teacher had on his life. He entered college at Clearwater Christian College as an Elementary Education Major with a Special Education minor. He then decided to move in order to fill his desire to teach. He currently teaches a 3rd grade class at Eastside Elementary School. During his free time he spends it reading, watching his son, or watching movies.
Ray Thompson
Instructor
Ray has been teaching for over 11 years. In 1996, Ray earned his B.S. in Elementary Education from Florida State University, and then went on to receive his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida in 2007. Ray is originally from Cocoa Beach, FL, and has lived in Lakeland since 2000. He is married and has a dog and two cats. Ray speaks intermediate Portuguese and would love to visit Brazil someday. His hobbies include reading, working out, and traveling.
Erica Bloompott
Teacher Assistant
Erica was born in Winter Haven, FL. She attends Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland. Erica has an older sister and a younger sister. She enjoys cooking and cake decorating. At home, Erica has a dog named Puppy and a cat named Pumpkin. Erica has always enjoyed working with children.
Lisa La Charite
Instructor
Lisa was born and raised in Lakeland. She graduated from Florida State University in 1998 with a B.S. degree in Graphic Design. (However, she is a proud gator fan!!!) She received her teaching certificate credits from Florida Southern College. She has taught kindergarten for 11 years now and enjoys every minute of it. When she is not teaching she enjoys time with her family, friends, and most of all her pets. She also enjoys walks on the beach, shopping, and just relaxing.
Josephine Washington
Instructor
I was born in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where I realized my love for children. To this end, later in my life I graduated from USF with a degree in Early Childhood. While I attended school my son and husband were a great support. I had little time for my work with ceramic, but was able to indulge my love of reading historical romance novels. I got into teaching because I wanted to help young children build a strong foundation in their learning. Sylvan offers me that opportunity. I received an award from Polk County for the develepment of a health lesson on our bodies for first graders. I have taught for 9 years.
Karen Oates
Instructor
Karen is a native of nearby Plant City. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. In her free time, Karen enjoys watching Gator football, spending time with her family, shopping, and doing anything crafty.